Computer Camp

Is your child interested in computing, math, or physics? Looking to explore the Rockies? Check out Western's Computer Camp!

The Western Computer Camp is for students currently in 8th grade and up who are interested in math or computer science. We're looking for young people who will appreciate both the academic and recreational aspects of our camp.

Dates

Computer Camp 2015 will run from Sunday, June 21 until Saturday, June 27.

There will be a second session for kids in the Gunnison valley July 27 - 31. This camp will be day only from 8:30 - 5:30 and have less recreation. The cost will be $300.

Cost

The total cost of our camp is $850 This covers classes, recreation, lodging and meals. Day campers can attend for $350.

Registration

Registration is open for the 2015 camp. Contact jpeterson@western.edu to registration for our camp. We expect that the camp will fill so register early. No deposit is required - campers should pay in full when they arrive in June. Please let us know if your child is registering as an overnight or day camper.

Program

For five days you'll learn about mathematics, physics and computer science while building 3-D virtual worlds. You'll use the Panda3d game engine and program in a simple, easily understood languages that create the components of the world such as sounds, images, characters, and behaviors. We use specialized educational computer languages that allow anyone to program these virtual worlds without having to learn the details of a complex programming language. The Blender 3-D Content Creation suite is used to design 3-D objects to inhabit your virtual world.

Our goal is to convey fundamental principles of math, physics, and computer science in a fun and exciting way. You'll get individual attention from the CIS faculty and be assisted by Math and Computer Science students who will help turn your ideas into reality. This camp is limited to just 12 students so that everyone will get a chance to work closely with our faculty in a college environment.

You'll also get an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some of the finest mountain recreation Colorado has to offer, all led by Western's Wilderness Pursuits program. Each day will combine academic and recreational activities, including hiking, rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Check out photos from our previous camps.

What to Bring

A camera is optional - we'll be in some very nice places. We'll be taking pictures throughout the week and posting them for you on our site.

Computer games - campers are allowed to install whatever games they want in our lab

Computers: we'll be providing the computers but if your camper wants to bring a laptop we'll help install our software on it. It would be best to bring the laptop up at pickup instead of having it around all week.

Cash: you probably won't need any. We provide lots of munchies so there shouldn't be any need to hit the local vending machines.

Drop Off

Please drop off your camper at Hurst Hall at Western State Colorado University. A map is available here. This will lead you to the parking lot behind Hurst. You can enter through the north-west door - our camp is in room 101, the first room on the left. Please bring the WP Waiver or fill it out during the drop off. The normal drop off time is between 4 and 5 - if you will be earlier or later please contact Dr. Peterson to make arrangements. There will be a full meal served on Sunday evening.

Pick Up

Parents and families are invited to the Computer Camp cookout at 6pm on Friday at Dr. Peterson's house. We'll be showing off the software we've created during the camp and giving you a chance to meet our staff. If you can't make it Friday evening you can pick up your camper on Saturday morning. Please let Dr. Peterson know when you'll be picking up your camper and how many people you will bring to the cookout.

If you need to stay overnight in Gunnison, the Rodeway Inn is the official motel of the computer camp and will be happy to give you a discount if you mention the camp.